The process of inserting a fixed dental implant is divided into several steps. First, a thorough examination and planning is carried out to check the suitability of the jawbone. If there is not enough jawbone, bone augmentation can be performed.

This is followed by a surgical procedure, during which the jawbone is exposed under local anesthesia - or, if desired, under general anesthesia - so that the artificial tooth roots can then be inserted into it.

After insertion, the implant must heal in the jawbone, which usually takes three months. As soon as the implant is firmly anchored in the jaw, the denture (a crown, bridge or prosthesis) is attached to the implant. Finally, thorough aftercare is important to ensure perfect healing and to preserve the implant in the long term.

Placing dental implants is generally less painful than most patients expect. During the procedure itself, you will not feel any pain thanks to local anesthesia or, if desired, sedation or general anesthesia. Modern technologies and precise surgical methods also help to make the procedure as gentle as possible.

Mild pain or swelling may occur after surgery, but this can be easily controlled with commercially available pain relievers. These symptoms also usually subside within a few days without complications. Many of our patients report that the symptoms are comparable or even lower than those of other dental procedures, such as tooth removal.

In our Dental practice in Berlin-Köpenick We also pay particular attention to careful aftercare to make the healing process as pleasant as possible for you. If pain or discomfort persists, we are also available at any time during our office hours.

After a dental implant, the recovery period is usually short, but there is slight discomfort depending on individual healing and surgical effort. Swelling, mild pain, and bleeding may occur in the first few days after surgery, but these can be easily treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients are able to return to work after one to two days, provided that this is not a physically demanding activity.

After inserting a dental implant, you should refrain from intensive sports activities, in particular physically demanding or risky sports, for at least two to four weeks. This helps promote the healing process and protect the implant from potential damage or unwanted pressure.

Intensive activities such as running, weight training or contact sports should be avoided during this time. Light exercise, such as walks, is usually possible again after the first few days, but you should listen to your body and not make any effort that causes pain or increases existing swelling.

The costs for implant restorations are not included in the list of benefits provided by the statutory health insurance funds.

However, you will receive a fixed payment from your health insurance company for the dentures that are attached to the implant. The amount of this subsidy depends on the standard care, i.e. the necessary dental prosthesis, which is tailored to your individual findings. For example, a bridge is usually intended as a prosthesis for a missing tooth.

The dentures must be applied for by your dentist from health insurance and approved before the start of treatment.

The amount of the supplementary dental insurance subsidy for implants varies depending on the insurance model and provider. As a rule, supplementary dental insurance covers a share of between 20% and 90% of treatment and material costs. This depends on the tariff and the insurance chosen.

Some premium plans, on the other hand, offer a cost-covering benefit for implants or a generous subsidy towards the total costs, including the implant itself, the dentures and any additional services such as bone grafting and anesthesia. We would be happy to provide you with a personal cost estimate, which you can then use to clarify any reimbursement of costs and their scope with your insurer.

Dental implants consist of materials that are both stable and biocompatible so that they are well accepted by the body and last reliably over the long term.

The following are used as standard:

titanium:

• Features: Titanium is the most commonly used material for dental implants. It is extremely durable, corrosion-resistant and lightweight. Titanium has the ability to grow particularly well with the jawbone (osseointegration), which enables firm anchoring.
• advantages: Good compatibility, long shelf life and high success rate.
• application: Suitable for almost all patients, except for specific metal allergies.

Zirconium oxide (ceramic):

• Features: Zirconium oxide is a metal-free, high-strength material that is visually very similar to natural teeth. It is an aesthetic and hypoallergenic alternative to titanium.
• advantages: Particularly suitable for people with metal intolerances or high aesthetic requirements, as it is tooth-colored.
• application: In the visible area of the dentition, especially with thin gums, through which the implant can show through.

With good care and optimal conditions, a dental implant can last for many years — often even a lifetime. However, durability depends on various factors, including the quality of the implant, the experience of the treating dentist, the condition of the jawbone, and your personal oral hygiene and lifestyle.

Factors that affect the durability of an implant:

• Oral hygiene: Thorough and regular care of teeth and implants is crucial to prevent inflammation such as peri-implantitis.
• Regular checks: Dental aftercare helps identify and treat problems at an early stage.
• Lifestyle and general health status: Smoking or chronic conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of complications.
• Bone quality: A stable jawbone is important for the long-term support of the implant.

With optimal conditions and regular care, many of our patients report a lifespan of 20 years or more. Modern, high-quality dental implants are also designed to withstand long-term stress. Our team is happy to further advise you on how you can maximize the life of your implant.

Dental implants can also have one or the other disadvantage that should be considered: The procedure requires surgery, which may involve (low) risks such as infections, nerve damage or healing complications. In addition, the treatment is time-consuming, as several months may be required for the implant to heal.

The cost of implants is usually higher than for other dental prosthesis solutions, and not every patient has enough jawbone, which may require additional measures such as bone grafting. After all, success depends heavily on oral hygiene and general oral health, which makes regular care and aftercare essential.

Whether a bridge or an implant is better depends on various factors. An implant provides a long-term, stable solution as it replaces the tooth root and preserves the jawbone. It protects adjacent teeth as no grinding is required and provides a natural aesthetic. A bridge, on the other hand, is cheaper and faster to use, but requires grinding adjacent teeth. The choice between bridge and implant therefore depends on individual dental health, reasonable costs and desired durability.

An explantation, i.e. the removal of a dental implant, may be necessary if the implant has not properly grown into the jawbone. In addition, if complications persist, such as an infection or inflammation of the gums (peri-implantitis).

Removal may also be necessary if severe pain persists, if the implant is loosened, or if bone atrophy occurs, as a result of which the implant no longer holds stable. In rare cases, intolerance to the material of the implant can also result in an explantation. Regular checks in our dental practice enable such problems to be diagnosed at an early stage in order to prevent implant loss.

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